Padma Purāṇa’s Sṛṣṭi Khaṇḍa

The Sṛṣṭi Khaṇḍa is the majestic inaugural section of the Padma Purāṇa, one of the largest and most authoritative of the Mahāpurāṇas. As its name, Sṛṣṭi (Creation), suggests, this Khaṇḍa is a profound philosophical and mythological treatise that details the cosmic genesis—the emergence of the universe from the primordial void. It is the section where Bhagavān Brahmā, the Creator, explains the unfolding of the vast cosmos from the Padma (Lotus) that sprang from the navel of Bhagavān Viṣṇu (Padmanābha). This section lays the fundamental groundwork for the entire scripture, establishing the supremacy of Viṣṇu, the cycles of time, and the creation of the various beings and laws (Dharma) that govern them. It is the beginning of the spiritual journey, guiding the Jīva to understand its origins before seeking its final destination.

Significance

The Sṛṣṭi Khaṇḍa holds immense significance as it defines the very architecture of the universe according to the Vaiṣṇava tradition. It is the source text for understanding:

  • The Padmanābha Concept: It vividly establishes the iconographic and theological importance of Bhagavān Viṣṇu reclining on Śeṣa Nāga during the dissolution (Pralaya), with the lotus of creation emerging from His navel.
  • The Kalpa Division: This section meticulously details the cycles of time, explaining the various Kalpas (Days of Brahmā) and their names. It is highly valued for its coherence in documenting the earliest stages of existence.
  • The Primacy of Dharma: Before moving to specific rituals and Tīrthas, the Sṛṣṭi Khaṇḍa defines the essential social and spiritual duties (Dharma) that are necessary for the sustained harmony of creation.

Narrator and Audience

The knowledge in the Sṛṣṭi Khaṇḍa is revealed through multiple layers of divine and sage discourse, which is typical of such encyclopedic Purāṇas:

  • The Frame Narrative: The section begins with the omnipresent narrator, Sūta Romaharṣaṇa, addressing the vast assembly of Ṛṣis gathered in the Naimiśāraṇya forest.
  • The Core Dialogue: Sūta recounts the primary conversation that took place between Bhagavān Brahmā and the great sage Pulastya Muni. Brahmā, as the Creator, is the definitive authority on the origin of the cosmos, making his narrative the central axis of the Khaṇḍa.
  • The Philosophical Instruction: Embedded within this frame is the essential instruction given by the sage Bhṛgu on the nature of Dharma and Mokṣa.

Structure

As the first of the six major Khaṇḍas, the Sṛṣṭi Khaṇḍa is structured to flow logically from abstract creation to concrete society. It is broadly organized around the principles of Sarga (Primary Creation) and Pratisarga (Secondary Creation).

  1. Cosmogony (The Abstract): Descriptions of Prakṛti, Puruṣa, the Mahat principle, and the emergence of the five subtle elements (Tanmātras).
  2. Genealogy (The Concrete): The creation of the Sages (Ṛṣis), the Prajāpatis, and the establishment of the early royal lineages.
  3. Dharma (The Moral Code): Detailed exposition on the duties of the four Varṇas and Āśramas, establishing the moral fabric of society.
  4. Tīrtha Primer: Initial descriptions and glorifications of the most important pilgrimage centers, primarily Puṣkara.

Contents

The Process of Sṛṣṭi (Primary Creation)

The Khaṇḍa details the Padma Kalpa—the cosmic age of the Lotus. It establishes that all creation originates from the desire (Icchā) of Bhagavān Viṣṇu. The universe emerges from the cosmic ocean as a great Golden Egg (Hiraṇyagarbha), which then manifests into Brahmā. It describes the evolution of the 24 Tattvas (principles of reality), from the unmanifest to the gross elements (Pañca Mahābhūtas). It introduces the concept of Guṇas (Sattva, Rajas, Tamas) and their role in shaping all created beings.

The Origin of the Sages and Clans

This section meticulously chronicles the origin of the various Gotras (clans) through the birth of the Prajāpatis (progenitors) who are the sons of Brahmā, such as Marīci, Atri, Angiras, and Pulastya. It explains the creation of Devas (Gods), Asuras (Demons), Yakṣas, Gandharvas, and Piśācas from the various parts of Brahmā’s body. The narrative details the lineage of Diti and Aditi, setting the stage for the eternal conflict between the demonic and the divine.

The Importance of Puṣkara Tīrtha

A significant and highly revered portion of the Sṛṣṭi Khaṇḍa is dedicated to the Puṣkara Māhātmya. The text describes the great sacrifice (Yajña) performed by Bhagavān Brahmā at Puṣkara (near Ajmer). It details the sanctity of the three sacred lakes there (the Great, the Middle, and the Small Puṣkara) and the spiritual merit accrued by bathing and performing rituals in these waters. This section establishes Puṣkara as one of the most ancient and potent pilgrimage sites on Earth, and it is considered one of the defining narratives of the Padma Purāṇa.

Detailed Exposition of Dharma

The Sṛṣṭi Khaṇḍa acts as a Dharma Śāstra, providing extensive rules for righteous conduct. It covers:

  • Varṇāśrama Dharma: The specific duties, rituals, and Saṃskāras (sacraments) to be performed by individuals belonging to the four social orders (Varṇas) and the four stages of life (Āśramas).
  • Vratas and Śrāddha: It introduces the importance of observing Vratas (vows) and lays down the rules for performing Śrāddha (ancestral rites), ensuring that the family lineage is maintained and the ancestors are propitiated.
  • The Duties of a King: The text also includes early tenets of Rājadharma, advising kings on justice, taxation, and the protection of their subjects.

Phala Śruti (Fruits of Recitation)

The concluding verses of the Sṛṣṭi Khaṇḍa emphasize the immense spiritual reward for studying the foundational truths it contains.

  • Purity of Consciousness: Listening to the Sṛṣṭi Khaṇḍa purifies the mind, as one learns the true non-dualistic nature of the universe that emerges from Bhagavān Viṣṇu.
  • Attainment of Brahmaloka: The listener who studies the cosmological sections and understands the creation process achieves the grace of Bhagavān Brahmā and attains the celestial realm of Brahmaloka.
  • Removal of Sins: It is stated that the devout recitation of the tales of creation and the glories of Puṣkara destroys the gravest of sins.

Comparison with other Puranas

The Sṛṣṭi Khaṇḍa, as a section, differentiates itself in several key ways:

  • Contrast with Brahma Purāṇa: While both are named after the creator, the Sṛṣṭi Khaṇḍa of the Padma Purāṇa adheres more strictly to the Vaiṣṇava interpretation of Sarga, defining Brahmā as a secondary creator operating under the primary will of Viṣṇu, unlike the Brahma Purāṇa’s more integrated approach.
  • Geographical Focus: Unlike the creation sections of the Viṣṇu or Vāyu Purāṇas, the Sṛṣṭi Khaṇḍa places a singular, paramount emphasis on Puṣkara, making this Tīrtha the locus of creation, which is a key distinction.
  • Clarity of Dharma: The initial exposition of Dharma and Varṇāśrama is often cited for its clarity, standing alongside the similar sections found in the Viṣṇu Purāṇa, making it an important scriptural source for social customs.

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